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Highlighted Classes

The Biology Department offers an extensive array of courses for both Biology majors and non-majors. The IU Northwest Bulletin lists explanations and details for all classes. The following is a sampling of upper level courses for Biology majors (title in bold, instructor in italics).

• Cell Biology (Castaneda) establishes the in-depth understanding of cells, the fundamental unit of all forms of life.
• Conservation Biology (Cortwright) considers the conservation of species and natural areas by exploring and applying relevant fundamental ecological and conservation principles.
• Endocrinology (LaPointe) examines animal hormonal systems with an emphasis on mammals and human diseases associated with abnormalities of hormone secretion and function.
• Fungi (Avis) are incredibly important economically and ecologically and this course examines fungal morphology, life history, classification, genetics, physiology, development and ecology.
• Genetics (Sheffer) is the study of the genetic potential of all organisms.  In essence, life is determined by genes and their interaction with the environment. This course examines various principles of genetic transmission, population genetics, and classical and molecular techniques for studying genetics.
• Human Physiology (LaPointe) is mainly designed for pre-professional students and covers the function of the basic organ systems of the human body. Function and control mechanisms are examined at all levels of organization from cells to the whole organism.
• Immunology (Castaneda) is the comprehensive study of the immune system, a complex and awesome system which protects humans from viruses, bacteria, cancer, damaged or abnormal cells and tissues, and other pathogens. This class gives an excellent background for anyone interested in medical careers.
• Medical Microbiology (Castaneda) focuses on medically important bacteria and viruses, how these pathogens subvert cellular activity, and their interaction with our defense mechanisms.
• Plant Diversity (Avis) covers the current understanding major groups of photosynthetic organisms including their phylogeny, morphology, ecology, evolution, and economic importance.
• Restoration Ecology (Cortwright) employs fundamental ecological and restoration principles toward the goal of restoring natural areas.  Active restoration of natural areas on-campus is included.
• Vertebrate Zoology (Cortwright) considers vertebrate biology, specifically their evolutionary origin and history, functional morphology, ecology, and conservation.

Biology classes designed mainly for non-majors are very popular on campus. Some of the non-introductory specialty classes offered by the department include:

• Anatomy and Physiology (LaPointe) is a two semester course for students interested in nursing and careers in the allied health professions. It covers all aspects of function and form of the human body including all the major organ systems. This popular set of courses typically enrolls over 300 students each semester.
• Human Sexuality (LaPointe) examines both the biology and social aspects of human sexuality.  Physiology of human reproduction is covered as well as social topics including sexually transmitted disease, and aberrant sexual behavior.